Keysight Sets New Benchmark for Silicon Validation of AI Ethernet Switching at 51.2T

Validates the performance of next-generation data center switches used in advanced AI and accelerated computing environments
First comprehensive test to process 51.2 Tbps of traffic across 64 x 800GE links while measuring loss, latency, and jitter
Showcases the ability of independent vendors to maintain connection of all 64 links on a high-speed Ethernet switch running at line rate, a building block for AI cloud architectures

January 31, 2024

SANTA ROSA, Calif., – Keysight Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: KEYS) has achieved a new milestone in validating the accelerated infrastructure necessary to power the next-generation AI-driven cloud data center with Keysight’s AresONE-M 800GE test platform and the Marvell^® Teralynx^® 10 Ethernet switch chip.

AI networks require high performance, unprecedented scale, and low-latency switching fabric to ensure seamless handling of massive volumes of data and real-time decision-making that advanced AI workloads demand. Keysight collaborated with Marvell Technology, Inc. to address the unique testing needs of network equipment manufacturers, silicon chipset vendors, and data center operators as they equip, build, and manage high-speed 800GE and 1.6T networks. Implementing an effective validation strategy helps mitigate the risk of costly product re-designs, recalls, or negatively impacting customer loyalty by assuring solutions will perform as designed and promised in real-world environments.

The milestone testbed was comprised of Keysight’s AresONE-M 800GE, the industry’s most comprehensive multi-speed Ethernet performance test platform and traffic generator, and the Marvell Teralynx 10 Ethernet programmable switch device, which offers industry-leading low latency, supporting up to 51.2 Tbps throughput with comprehensive analytics.

Highlights from the validation include:

High throughput and high speed – The Keysight AresONE-M 800GE generated 51.2 Tbps of traffic, sending it successfully through the Teralynx 10 switch to test its limits. The test validated an 800GE interface speed based on 112G SerDes, which facilitates faster data transfer between devices and extended reach in data center interconnects or telecommunications networks that run data-intensive AI applications.
Unprecedented scalability – Eight AresONE-M 8-port chassis were chained together, providing an industry first 64 x 800GE link configuration to achieve a high scale test bed running at 800GE line rate.
Low latency – Low latency is critical for achieving the shortest job completion time for AI training and other highly distributed applications. These AI workloads depend on the switching fabric to provide the lowest possible latency —and to do so predictably.
Performance analysis – Beyond the need for high bandwidth and low latency, measuring the performance of all 64x800GE links was an important aspect of the testbed, providing deeper, actionable analytics around loss, latency, and jitter at line rate. These valuable insights will help accelerate innovation for data centers deploying future AI applications.

Rishi Chugh, Vice President of Product Marketing, Network Switching, Marvell, said: “To definitively measure and validate the low-latency capabilities of Teralynx 10, Marvell turned to Keysight and its industry-leading AresONE-M 800GE test equipment. Their thorough evaluation and collaboration with our team made the process smooth and ensured the integrity of the strong results we achieved.”

Ram Periakaruppan, Vice President and General Manager, Network Test & Security Solutions, Keysight, said: “The switching fabric is a vital component of the back-end network architecture used for AI training. AI training workloads trigger a huge increase in traffic volume and compared to front-end networks, are persistently pushing this higher traffic volume around the clock. At these sustained rates, benchmarking low latency becomes very critical for ensuring that the AI training algorithms achieve the most efficient job completion time.”

Resources

Data sheet: AresONE-M 800GE test platform
Press Release: Keysight’s introduction of the AresONE-M 800GE
Video: Marvell^® Teralynx^® 10 Throughput and Latency Test Summary
Product Brief: Teralynx 10 Data Center Ethernet switch
Blog: Marvell introduction of the 51.2T Teralynx 10

About Keysight Technologies

At Keysight (NYSE: KEYS), we inspire and empower innovators to bring world-changing technologies to life. As an S&P 500 company, we’re delivering market-leading design, emulation, and test solutions to help engineers develop and deploy faster, with less risk, throughout the entire product lifecycle. We’re a global innovation partner enabling customers in communications, industrial automation, aerospace and defense, automotive, semiconductor, and general electronics markets to accelerate innovation to connect and secure the world. Learn more at Keysight Newsroom and www.keysight.com.